Kay at Musings gave a detailed description of the nasty preparation that has to be done in preparation for a colonoscopy. She didn't miss anything and it felt just like I was doing the prep.
For those who have been lucky enough not to have had a colonoscopy, it's a little procedure where they go in with a flexible tube (Good thing it's very flexible) that has a small camera on the end. The camera takes photos of the interior of the colon. Since colon cancer is somewhat common and easy to detect with the device , these tests are quite common. They look at the general health of the colon and if there are any indications of cancer.
To do this test your colon must be completely empty. Kay told about this part. It's not pleasant.
My purpose isn't to discuss the colonoscopy but to tell about two colonoscopies I had.
I had the first colonoscopy many years ago. A student was going to do the test. Now I didn't tell you where they shove the rod and camera- yes right in the anus, the handy hole in the behind. Well the student was all ready and he shoved the device. He missed the hole! What a jolt that was. He said, "Oops, sorry about that!" It's an experience I will never forget. In those days they didn't use any anesthetic.
The last test I had was for a 12:30 PM appointment. I like to get a first thing in the morning appointment because then I can go home and eat.
Well. 12:30 or nothing. I was rolled into the room and prepared. Then they told me that the doctor had gone home to let his dog out and I would have to wait! Wow! What do you do? All dressed up with no where to go.
Now as miserable as the test is I would always recommend that it be done. It's a very accurate test and if cancer is picked up early it can be successfully treated.
...I've had two, the last one by Dr. Gutman. Yep, that's his name. All was fine and at my age I don't need a third.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you had a tough time to keep a straight face!
DeleteI had a test done some years back. Quite unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing it only lasts for 24 hours.
DeleteThere are very few places in the human body they cannot get a camera these days.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that one. They say, "We'll just have a little look."
DeleteI have had my share of these tests. I want no more and I think I will be able to do that.
ReplyDeleteThey are very unpleasant but I find too many people where they've discovered cancer and been successfully treated.
DeleteHello, it is a necessary test even if the prep is awful. Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Thursday, enjoy your day, have a great weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteWe're about 14 days into a long cold snap. I've had about enough.
DeleteThey aren't pleasant, but they get the job done. Taking a look inside to see what's what is a good idea. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hear ya!
DeleteI'm not inclined to go. My late ex-husband had colon cancer diagnosed, about the time hubby had his prostate cancer surgery. My first husband spent two weeks in hospital, as it became infected. The further chemical treatments caused him to have a heart attack. He died in front of my daughter, who was trying to help him by visiting weekends. Her stepmother has early onset dementia, and didn't know how to dial 911.
ReplyDeleteIt was awful
That was a very unfortunate event. You are told of the risk of infection. I can't help but think somebody was careless in this one.
DeleteI remember when I was first told about this procedure. I couldn't believe they'd do that to you! But anyway, I went ahead and had my first one, at age 51, and they found a pretty big polyp. So I'm thankful, since I figure I'd be dead of colon cancer by now if they hadn't done it. A small price to pay.
ReplyDeleteThat's my feeling ...a small price to pay.
DeleteI've had one, and that's all I'm ever going to have. Roger was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010, so has had many more exams. Never pleasant.
ReplyDeleteFor some people these tests are intolerable.
DeleteI've done a couple in the past and I have one coming up next month. It's not the easiest prep but the test is an important one. It can save lives!
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI have had one and not pleasant but very necessary.
ReplyDeleteYour key term "very necessary."
DeleteThe unpleasant process is probably worth it in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I've met too many people who've been found to have colon cancer.
DeleteI've had one and am probably due for another . . . as you say, not the easiest prep but early detection of problems can save your life, so . . . (giving myself a pep talk here!!)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's one of the talks that's necessary.
DeleteWell this year I'm due another one. It has been five years. Don't know yet what month. Dreading it is enough to ruin the whole year...well, not really, but I do dread it. How awful your two experiences were, with the student and with the doctor leaving you to go let the dog out.
ReplyDeleteWell you just have to let it go as an experience and leave it.
DeleteLOL -- I'm not sure you meant this post to be funny, but it was!
ReplyDeleteThe doctor had to go let his dog out?? Even if that was the reason, they shouldn't have told you
ReplyDelete